Pacific Law
How Long Does It Take to Make a Last Will in Thailand?
Creating a last will in Thailand is faster than most people think. The timeline depends on the type of will, the complexity of your estate, and whether you use professional services. Understanding the process helps you plan your estate planning timeline.
Timeline by Will Type
Handwritten Will
A handwritten will can be completed in minutes:
- Writing time — 30 minutes to 2 hours
- No additional steps — Just sign and date
- Total time — Same day
Written Will with Witnesses
A written will with witnesses takes a bit longer:
- Preparation — 1-2 hours
- Finding witnesses — Varies
- Signing ceremony — 30 minutes
- Total time — 1-3 days
Notarial Will
A notarial will requires scheduling with a notary:
- Appointment scheduling — 1-7 days
- Document preparation — 1-3 days
- Signing ceremony — 30-60 minutes
- Certification — Same day
- Total time — 3-10 days
Law Firm Will
Working with a will lawyer for a comprehensive will:
- Initial consultation — 1 hour
- Drafting — 1-3 days
- Review and revisions — 1-2 days
- Signing — 1 hour
- Total time — 5-10 business days
Factors That Affect Timeline
Several factors can speed up or slow down the process:
Factors That Speed Things Up
- Having all documents ready
- Clear asset list and beneficiary information
- Quick decision-making
- Simple estate structure
- Immediate availability for appointments
Factors That Cause Delays
- Gathering missing documents
- Complex asset structures
- Multiple beneficiaries or properties
- Bilingual requirements
- Need for legal research
- Scheduling conflicts
The Will Creation Process
Here's what happens during a typical will creation:
Step 1: Consultation (1 hour)
Meet with your will lawyer to discuss:
- Your assets and their value
- Who should inherit what
- Your chosen executor
- Any special conditions
Step 2: Drafting (1-3 days)
The lawyer prepares your last will based on your instructions. They ensure it meets all legal requirements.
Step 3: Review (1 day)
You review the draft and request any changes. This is your chance to verify everything is correct.
Step 4: Signing (1 hour)
You sign the will in the presence of required witnesses or a notary. The lawyer ensures proper execution.
Don't Delay Your Will
While the process is relatively quick, many people procrastinate. The best time to create your last will is now. Don't wait for a life event to force you into action.
Start Your Estate Planning Today
Contact a will lawyer in Thailand to begin the process. With proper preparation, you can have a legally valid will in place within days.